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Muse’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a rock interpretation of the classic 1967 pop song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli, which has been covered by various artists in different styles. The chord progression of the chorus is characterized by a series of diatonic chords, predominant in Western pop music. This progression follows a typical 1950’s “doowop” pattern present in countless pop and rock songs, utilizing the familiar circle of fourths movement (Dm-G-C) and establishing a straightforward harmonic rhythm.

Chord Progression Analysis with Roman Numerals (borrowed chords in code block):

D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A major (V/vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major 7 (Imaj7) – C7 (I7) – C6 (I6) – C major (I) – Ab major (*bVI) – C major (I)

`* Ab major (bVI) is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (C minor).`

The chord progression in Muse’s “Endlessly” from Verse 2 is a mix of diatonic chords and a borrowed chord from the parallel major key. The progression has a melancholic feel, utilizing suspended chords to create tension and release. The use of both minor and major chords provides a balanced sound, giving the piece its unique character.

“Yet Again” by Grizzly Bear uses a repetitive verse structure that has a fairly common, major-oriented progression, but develops interest by alternating the exact sequence of chords that it employs. This gives the song a haunting but familiar atmosphere. The mixture of minor and major chords, along with the presence of a borrowed chord, creates tension and release within each verse.

“Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones is structured in a key of D Major, and the song largely follows a I-IV-V chord progression, which is a staple in many genres, especially in blues and rock music. The progression is known for its simple, catchy, and resolved sounds.

“Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” by Elton John employs interesting chord progressions and borrows chords from other modes and keys, contributing to its melancholy, yet dynamically expressive mood. The song is set in E minor and uses basic chord progressions, some more sophisticated ones, and many borrowed chords.

Muse – Cant Take My Eyes Off You – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

C, Cmaj7, C7, F, Fm, C, Dm, Dm7b5, C

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
C (I) – Cmaj7 (IM7) – C7 (I7) – F (IV) – Fm (iv) – C (I) – Dm (ii) – Dm7b5 (iiø7) – C (I)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Creep” by Radiohead – follows a similar pattern with a borrowed chord and half-diminished chord:
“`
G (I) – B (III) – C (IV) – Cm (iv) – G (I) – B (III) – Cmaj7 (IVΔ7) – D7 (V7)
“`
2. “My Chérie Amour” by Stevie Wonder – another example of seventh chords and a borrowed chord:
“`
F (I) – F+M7 (IΔ7+) – Bbmaj7 (IVΔ7) – Gm7 (ii7) – Fmaj7 (IΔ7) – Dm7b5 (viø7) – Gm7 (ii7) – C7 (V7) – F (I)
“`
3. “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel – incorporates major and minor seventh chords with a parallel minor chord:
“`
Cmaj7 (IM7) – Dm7 (ii7) – Dm/C (ii/C) – Gm7/C (vii7/III) – Cmaj7 (IM7) – Fmaj7 (IVΔ7) – Fm6 (iv6) – Gm7 (ii7) – C7 (V7)
“`

Musical Analysis

The progression begins with the tonic chord, C major, which quickly evolves into a dominant seventh by the use of major seventh (Cmaj7) and dominant seventh (C7) chords. This creates a sense of anticipation and tension that is resolved when the progression moves to the subdominant chord, F major.

The resolution is short-lived, however, as the regular F major chord turns into F minor (a borrowed chord from the parallel minor), introducing a dark and unexpected turn to the progression. The Fm serves as a pivot chord, modulating back into the original key. The tonic chord returns (C major), followed by the ii chord (Dm) and a half-diminished seventh version of ii (Dm7b5). This half-diminished chord adds an extra layer of tension before resolving once more to the tonic, C major, ending the verse with stability.

Overall Analysis

The Verse 3 chord progression in Muse’s cover of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a fairly simple progression that features harmonic devices such as seventh chords, borrowed chords, and a half-diminished chord. This progression incorporates some jazz and pop influences into a stylistically cohesive and engaging harmonic landscape.

Style Analysis

Muse’s adaptation of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” blends pop, rock, and jazz influences in both melody and harmony. The presence of extended harmonies such as seventh chords, borrowed chords, and half-diminished chords all contribute to a sense of sophistication that is characteristic of jazz music. Simultaneously, the prominent rhythm guitar and melodic hooks give the song a pop-rock edge, making for a versatile and appealing style overall.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Cant Take My Eyes Off You by Muse are:

C, Cmaj7, C7, F, Fm, C, Dm, Dm7b5, C